How to Start Homeschooling in 7 Simple Steps With No Experience

What if the education system you’ve always known isn’t the only way?

As a product of public education, I never imagined advocating for homeschooling. Motherhood changed that. Faced with sending my children into a system I doubted, I discovered an alternative that would transform our family’s approach to learning and living.

Homeschooling isn’t just an alternative—it’s a growing counterculture movement. With a staggering 51% increase in the last decade, more parents are actively removing their kids from public education to teach their own.

This bold choice allows for true educational freedom: the ability to tailor learning to each child’s unique style, dive deep into subjects without arbitrary time constraints, and weave family values and cultural perspectives into every lesson.

It’s about reclaiming education, strengthening the family, and embracing a lifestyle where learning never stops. Unhurried mornings replace the frantic school rush, and flexible schedules adapt to your family’s needs, not the other way around.

In this guide, I’ll explain the exact steps I took to start homeschooling my children with absolutely no prior experience. Through extensive research, personal trials and errors, and insights from seasoned homeschoolers, I’ve created the resource I wish I had when I first considered this path.

You’ll learn:

• How to navigate legal requirements in your area
• Strategies for choosing the right curriculum for your family
• Tips for creating a vibrant learning environment at home
• Techniques for balancing homeschooling with work and personal life

Ready to explore new educational possibilities for your children? Let’s begin.

How to Start Homeschooling: 7 Easy Steps for Newbies

Step 1: Know Your State’s Legal Requirements

When I first jumped into homeschooling, I quickly realized I needed to learn about the rules in my state to stay compliant. Trust me, understanding these requirements is crucial before you get started.

Here’s your legal requirement crash course:

1. State-Specific Laws: First, look up your area’s homeschooling laws. Every state marches to its own beat when it comes to homeschooling regulations. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) website is a goldmine of information. They have an interactive map that breaks down the rules state by state.
2. Required Subjects: Next up, find out what subjects you must teach. Most states will ask you to cover the basics – math, reading, and social studies. But here’s the exciting part: you choose how to teach them.
3. Attendance Records: Some states are sticklers for attendance. They might ask you to log a certain number of days or hours of homeschooling. I keep a simple notebook where I jot down our daily activities. It’s easy and a great way to look back and see how much we’ve accomplished.
4. Keeping the Paper Trail: Record-keeping is another biggie. You might need to save your kids’ work or conduct periodic assessments. I’ve created a folder for each of my kids where we keep their best work. It’s a great confidence booster for them and a handy record for me.
5. Teacher Requirements: Most states don’t require a teaching degree to homeschool. However, it’s worth checking if your state expects you to have a high school diploma or GED.
6. Stay Updated: Remember, these rules can change fast. Make it a habit to review them annually.

Understanding legal requirements might not be the most exciting part of homeschooling, but it’s foundational. Once you’ve got this part down, you can focus on creating an amazing learning experience tailored to your family!

Step 2: Open the Door to Diverse Homeschool Approaches

There are lots of ways to homeschool. Each one has good points and tricky parts. Let’s look at some popular methods, and I’ll share my perspective on each.

Traditional Homeschooling

This approach closely mimics conventional schooling at home. It typically involves textbooks, workbooks, and a structured schedule. It’s a familiar starting point for many, especially those transitioning from public school. However, some families find it lacks the flexibility that drew them to homeschooling.

Classical Homeschooling

This method focuses on developing critical thinking skills based on ancient educational models. It follows a three-stage process: grammar (fact absorption), logic (analytical thinking), and rhetoric (persuasive expression). While intellectually rigorous, it can be demanding for both parents and children.

Montessori at Home

This child-led approach emphasizes hands-on learning with specially designed materials. Children choose activities based on their interests. It’s particularly effective for younger children but can be challenging to implement fully at home, especially as children get older.

Charlotte Mason Method

This is my personal favorite. It’s all about living books, nature study, and real-world experiences. We do short, focused lessons and spend a ton of time outdoors. If your family loves literature and hands-on learning, this might work for you.

Waldorf Education

This method focuses on nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. It weaves art, music, and nature into all subjects. It’s great for creative kids, but this might not be the best fit if you’re looking for an early academic focus.

Unit Studies

Unit Studies is an engaging approach that involves a comprehensive exploration of a single topic across multiple subjects. For instance, a unit on ancient Egypt might incorporate history, art, and science. It’s a versatile method that works well for multiple age groups, but it does require some planning.

Eclectic Homeschooling

This is the mix-and-match approach. You take bits from different methods to create something that works for your family. It offers tons of flexibility but requires careful thought to ensure you’re covering all bases.

Unschooling

Unschooling is the most freestyle approach. Kids learn through their daily experiences and interests. It fosters self-directed learning, but I’ll be honest – it requires a level of trust in the process that can be challenging, especially if you’re used to traditional education.

The truth is, you don’t have to stick to just one method. We primarily follow Charlotte Mason, but we borrow from other approaches when it makes sense. That’s the beauty of homeschooling – you can adapt as your children grow and their needs change.

Worldschooling

This is the “world is your classroom” approach. Learning happens through travel and real-world experiences as families explore different cultures, places, and ways of life. Whether you’re full-time nomads or take extended trips, kids learn geography by being there, history by walking through it, and often pick up new languages naturally. I’ll be straight with you – it requires a certain comfort with uncertainty and usually some location-independent income, but the cultural understanding and real-world education kids gain can be incredible. Some families do it full-time, while others blend travel periods with more traditional homeschooling.

When choosing a method, remember this: there’s no perfect solution. What works for my family might not work for yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment; mix things up and adjust as you go. That ability to customize is one of the many homeschool benefits.

Your homeschooling journey will be as unique as your family’s. Dive into these methods, consider your kids’ learning styles, and consider your family’s values and goals. With some thought and a willingness to adapt, you’ll find an approach that not only works but also helps your children thrive.

Step 3: Educate Yourself: Build Your Knowledge Base

Starting the homeschool journey can feel like enrolling in school all over again. It requires relearning, adjusting your mindset, and shedding much of the residue accumulated from traditional schooling. This lifestyle is entirely different, and the results you seek may be worlds apart from conventional education.

Here are the things that helped me prepare:

Hit the Books – Read, Read, Read

Read as much as you can about homeschooling. This will help you understand what home education is really about. It will also shape how you think about teaching your kids. These books will be necessary on tough days when you’re unsure if you made the right choice.

Books play a crucial role in shaping your mindset about homeschooling. They provide a different perspective and help you overcome self-doubt. Whenever I found myself questioning my decision to homeschool, I turned to my Kindle, filled with insightful books by smart authors who wrote about homeschooling and education.

Here are some books that really changed how I think about homeschooling:

Shop the books I recommend

Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto

Teach Your Own by John Holt

Deschooling Society by Ivan Illich

A place to Belong by Amber O’Neal Johnston

Wild & Free by Ainsley Arment

For the Childrens Sake

Home Education by Charlotte Mason

Awakening Wonder by Sally Clarkson

1. “Dumbing Us Down” by John Taylor Gatto – eye-opening critiques of traditional education
2. “Teach Your Own” by John Holt – a foundational text on homeschooling and child-led learning
3. “Deschooling Society” by Ivan Illich – challenging everything I thought I knew about learning
4. “A Place to Belong” by Amber O’Neal Johnston – incorporating diverse perspectives and cultural richness in homeschooling
5. “Wild & Free” by Ainsley Arment – embracing a nature-rich, unhurried childhood
6. “For the Children’s Sake” by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay – a beautiful intro to Charlotte Mason’s ideas
7. “Home Education” by Charlotte Mason – the cornerstone of the Charlotte Mason method, rich with timeless insights
8. “Awakening Wonder” by Sally Clarkson – nurturing curiosity and love for learning

Reading these books will help you feel more sure about homeschooling. They’ll give you good ideas and help you feel less alone on this journey.

Related Read: 37 Must-Read Books About Homeschooling & Alternative Education that Will Open Your Mind

YouTube University

I was surprised to find out how helpful YouTube could be for homeschooling. It became one of my favorite places to get ideas and learn new things:

Day-in-the-life videos: These videos show how other homeschool families spend their days. Watching them gave me lots of good ideas for schedules and activities we could try.

Curriculum reviews: Before buying any new books or materials, I’d check YouTube. Other homeschoolers would show the books and give honest reviews, helping me figure out what might work best for us without wasting money.

Curriculum picks: I loved watching videos where other moms shared what they were planning to use for the next school year. It was fun and really helpful. I learned about new resources I might have missed, and it helped me plan our year better.

YouTube turned out to be an excellent tool for homeschooling. It let me see how other families were doing things and gave me lots of ideas to try with my kids.

Some of my favorite homeschool YouTubers:

1. Seven in All (https://www.youtube.com/@SevenInAll)
   • Run by a second-generation homeschooler with extensive experience
2. Simply Charlotte Mason (https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyCharlotteMason)
   • An excellent resource for those interested in the Charlotte Mason method
3. The Simple Mama (https://www.youtube.com/@thesimplemamma)
   • Focuses on minimal homeschooling, helping to simplify your approach. Here’s one of my favorite videos:

Join the Online Tribe

Joining online homeschool groups is super helpful. You can ask questions, share your own experiences, and get support from other parents. It’s great for finding new ideas and getting tips on books and resources. These groups help you feel less alone on your homeschool journey. They’re like having homeschool friends you can talk to any time who really get what you’re doing.

Step 4: Figure Out Your “Why” and Set Goals

Think of homeschooling as a big road trip. You need to know where you’re going and why. Here’s how to make your homeschool map:

Find Your “Why”

Grab a notebook and write down why you want to homeschool. There’s no wrong answer. For us, it was about using our family’s languages and cultures every day, but it was so much more. We wanted to grow together, enjoy slow mornings without the rush, and really strengthen our family bonds. I loved the idea of watching my kids grow and learn, knowing exactly what they were learning every step of the way.

Maybe you want to teach in a way that fits your kid best or have more freedom to explore topics that excite your family. Your reasons might be similar or totally different – that’s what’s great about homeschooling. Your “why” is special to your family and what matters most to you.

Next, list the good things homeschooling could bring. Less stress? More time for cool projects? Learning with your kids? Write it all down. On hard days, this list will remind you why you started.

Setting Goals

Now that we’ve got your “why” sorted let’s set some goals:

1. Quick Wins: These are small goals you can reach soon. Maybe it’s learning multiplication tables or reading a whole chapter book alone. These give you something to be proud of as you go.
2. Big Dreams: These are your long-term goals. It could be getting ready for college or learning to speak another language really well. These big goals help you keep going when things get hard.
3. Make a Mission Statement: This is a short sentence that sums up what you want to do. Ours is “As guides of our children’s education, we will love, teach, and encourage our children to become curious, lifelong learners. We aim to raise responsible people who care about others, have a strong faith in God, and keep their love of learning alive.” Yours can be different – that’s what’s great about it.

Your mission statement can be different. It should reflect what’s most important to your family.

It’s okay if you’re not sure about everything right now. Your ideas might change as you go, and that’s fine. The main thing is to have a general plan that can adapt to your evolving needs.

If your kids are old enough, ask them what they think too. They might have good ideas, and it will help them feel like they’re part of the plan.

Having your reasons and goals written down makes planning easier. It helps you choose what to learn and lets you see how far you’ve come.

Remember, every family’s plan will be different. That’s what’s great about homeschooling – you can make it fit your family just right.

Step 5: Choose a Curriculum

Let’s discuss choosing what to use to teach. There are many options, which can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ll break it down into easy steps.

Start with the Basics

For younger children, focus on these main subjects:

• Math: We started with hands-on materials to build a strong number sense. This helped our kids understand math concepts before moving to harder stuff.
• Reading: We chose a program that taught letter sounds and lots of books. This helped our kids learn to read and enjoy it, too.
• Writing: Begin with activities that help small hand muscles, then move to actual writing. We found that writing about other subjects made it more fun.
  
  To see what curriculum I’m using for my daughter’s kindergarten year, click here.

Explore Curriculum Types

There’s a wide range of options available:

• All-in-One Programs: These cover all subjects in one package. They’re good if you want everything planned out for you.
• Subject-Specific Curricula: This lets you pick different programs for each subject based on what your child needs.
• Online Courses: These can be flexible and often have interactive parts that kids like. These can offer flexibility and often include interactive elements that engage tech-savvy kids.

Don’t be shy about asking other homeschool families what they use. Their experience can be really helpful.

Consider Your Child’s Learning Style

Choose materials that fit your child’s learning style:

• Visual Learners: Look for programs with lots of pictures and videos.
• Auditory Learners: Consider programs that incorporate audiobooks or lectures.
• Kinesthetic Learners: Seek out hands-on programs with lots of activities and experiments.

My oldest learns best through reading, so we lean towards literature-based programs for subjects like history and science.

Start Simple and Build

When you’re new to homeschooling, it’s okay to start with just the basics:

• Begin with solid math and language arts programs.
• Add other subjects gradually as you find your rhythm.
• Be ready to change things if they’re not working.
  

Incorporate Your Child’s Interests

If your child loves something, use it in your learning:

• If they love dinosaurs, use them for science and history lessons.
• If they’re into space, include astronomy in your learning.

We once built an entire unit study around my youngest’s fascination with ancient Egypt, covering history, art, and even basic engineering principles.

Don’t Neglect Enrichment Subjects

While core subjects are crucial, don’t overlook the importance of a well-rounded education:

• Art: Integrate art appreciation and projects into your weekly schedule.
• Music: Consider music lessons or simply incorporate listening to various genres into your day.
• Physical Education: Regular outdoor time and structured physical activities are important for overall development.

Remember, choosing a curriculum is an ongoing process. Be prepared to reassess and make changes as needed. The flexibility to adapt is one of the great strengths of homeschooling.

Step 6: Establish a Homeschool Schedule & Organize Your Space

Creating a well-thought-out schedule and dedicated learning space is crucial for homeschool success. While every family’s routine will look different, having a consistent daily rhythm helps children feel secure and know what to expect. Your schedule should reflect your family’s natural patterns while ensuring all subjects are covered effectively.

Similarly, an organized learning environment—whether it’s a dedicated room or simply a corner of your dining room—can make the difference between chaos and productive learning.

Let’s explore how to create a schedule and space that works for your unique situation.

Create a Daily Plan

Every family’s day looks different, but here are some tips:

Start with the basics: Decide when you’ll do math and reading each day. These are usually best when kids are fresh.

Be flexible: Some days might start early, others later. That’s okay. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can adjust.

Include breaks: Make sure to plan for snack times, outdoor play, and rest. These are just as important as study time.

Our family likes to do our main lessons in the morning and use afternoons for fun projects or field trips.

Set Up Your Learning Space

You don’t need a fancy classroom, but having a dedicated space helps:

Choose a spot: This could be the kitchen table, a corner of the living room, or if you have space, a separate room.

Keep it organized: Store books and supplies on shelves or bins. This makes it easy to find what you need.

Make it comfy: Good lighting and comfortable seating are important. We added some cozy pillows to our reading nook.

Add inspiration: Put up maps, artwork, or a board to display your kids’ work. This makes the space feel special.

Remember, your whole house (and the world outside) is your classroom. Some days we do math at the kitchen table and reading on the porch swing.

Be Ready to Adjust

Your schedule and space might change as you go along:

Try different times: If mornings are hard, try afternoon lessons.

Move around: Sometimes, a change of scene, like working in the backyard, can refresh everyone.

The key is to find what works for your family. Don’t be afraid to try new things and change what isn’t working.

Step 7: Build Your Support Team

When I started homeschooling, I quickly learned that having support isn’t just nice—it’s really important. Having people to help can make homeschooling much easier and more fun. Here’s how you can build your own support team:

Join Local Groups

Look for homeschool groups near you. We found one that meets at a local park every week. The kids play while the parents talk and share ideas. It’s a great way to make friends and get advice.

Try a Co-op

A co-op is where families teach classes together. We go to one every week. My kids take art and science classes, and I teach Spanish. It’s a good way for kids to learn from different people.

Connect Online

There are lots of online groups for homeschoolers. I joined some Facebook groups for people in our state and for families using the same books as us. These are great for asking questions and finding help.

Don’t forget about your family members

My mom comes to our home Monday to Thursday to help out. She spends time with my youngest son and helps with lessons. Having another adult to talk to and share ideas with is great. Plus, she comes along on field trips, which makes them more fun for everyone.

My mom also reads our daily read-aloud to the kids. This special time helps build a strong bond between them and keeps my mom involved in our learning.

My husband works from home, which is another big plus. Sometimes, he takes the kids outside to play during the day, giving me a short break. This teamwork makes our homeschool days run smoother.

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or close friends can all be part of your homeschool journey. Having family involved helps with the workload and shows kids that learning is a family value.

Remember, It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Homeschooling doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself. It’s okay to ask for help or trade skills with other families. Maybe you’re good at teaching writing but not so good at science. You might find another family to swap lessons with.

Your support team might change as your kids grow up. That’s normal. Keep looking for new connections, and don’t be afraid to step back from no longer beneficial groups.

Building a good support team takes time, but it’s worth it. Having people to turn to for advice or talk can make homeschooling much more enjoyable. Remember, you’re not alone in this—many other homeschoolers are ready to help. Reach out, make connections, and watch your homeschool grow!

Final Thoughts: Your Homeschool Journey Begins

Children need their mothers and families to help set the foundation for life. By homeschooling, we’re giving our kids a strong base to build on. We’re not just teaching them facts but showing them how to learn, think, and face challenges.

Remember, homeschooling isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating a loving space where your kids can grow and learn. There will be tough days, but there will also be moments of pure joy when you see your child’s eyes light up with understanding.

Don’t fear the journey ahead. Instead, relax and trust the process. This experience will help you and your kids grow and become better. You’ll learn together, face challenges together, and celebrate victories together.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

1. Know your local homeschool laws.
2. Choose a teaching style that fits your family.
3. Never stop learning – both you and your kids.
4. Set goals, but be flexible.
5. Pick your learning materials thoughtfully.
6. Create a daily routine and a good learning space.
7. Build a support network – you’re not alone in this.

Most importantly, enjoy this precious time with your children. Homeschooling offers a unique chance to strengthen your family bonds and create lasting memories.

You’ve prepared yourself with knowledge. Now, it’s time to start your journey. Trust yourself, trust the process, and trust your children’s natural love of learning. Take a deep breath, gather your courage, and take that first step. You can do this, and it will be worth it. You can do this!